Uncertainty over EU membership harms Britain's economic health

An in-out referendum should be held sooner rather than later

7:00AM GMT 17 Jan 2013

SIR – Nick Clegg says that the debate over our EU membership creates uncertainty and destabilises the economy (report, January 12). That will remain the case – indeed it will worsen – until the question is resolved, hence the pressing need for an in-out referendum at the earliest possible opportunity, after which we can move on, according to whatever its result dictates.

Why not hold it this May, with the council elections, and derail Ukip's hopes in the European elections at the same time?

Graham Hoyle Baildon, West Yorkshire

SIR – We are programmed by evolution to adhere to our own tribe and feel negative emotions about other tribes, especially if they impinge on our interests – in reality or apparently. Thus a referendum on whether we should stay in or leave the EU would be biased towards leaving.

So a referendum should certainly not be held; it will be supported only by those who want out, and do not care if there is a bias in that direction, regardless of the merits of the case.

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SIR – We write as City supporters of the People's Pledge, alongside the 87 MPs and 130,000 individuals who have also declared their support for an in-out EU referendum.

As the world's dominant financial centre, the City of London leads a financial services industry that employs 1.2 million people and generates an annual trade surplus in excess of £40 billion, compared with Britain's annual trade deficit with the EU of £55 billion.

Pressure is growing for a referendum on our EU membership, not least because of the movement towards full banking and political union within the next five years.

The pro-European lobby, apparently speaking on behalf of British business as a whole, has argued in generalities. We believe that members of the public should be given specific figures, not platitudes, so they can make an informed decision about whether Britain should remain in the EU.

The City has for 1,000 years been at the heart of developing British wealth and democracy. We are determined that the people of Britain be given a clear choice.

SIR – Why is David Cameron going to the Netherlands on Friday to make his much-trailed and important speech about our future with the EU?

We do still have a suitable place for this kind of thing in this country: the House of Commons.

Breon Rawlings Broad Oak, East Sussex

Cross to bear

SIR – Could someone gently break it to British Airways (Letters, January 16) that it has no fewer than three Christian crosses, those of St George, St Andrew and

St Patrick, in its company logo?

Sean Lang Cambridge

SIR – Perhaps Christians could substitute a discreet tattooed cross on the neck in place of a necklace – tattoos are generally acceptable these days.

Edmund CranmerDartmouth, Devon

SIR – Opposite your report (January 16) of the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling against three Christian plaintiffs is the story of the great-grandmother who works on Saturday nights as a street pastor with her church. She not only helps the victims of boozy nights out, but contributes to a fall in the local crime rate.

If the new secularism succeeds in driving Christianity out of the public sphere, who will replace the contribution to society made by Christian volunteers?

Graham JonesTonbridge, Kent

SIR – What scientific evidence is there that supports the case that makes it illegal for clinicians to wear a cross, and will it ever be published? How many proven cases of infection from crosses are there?

Paul Harrison Terling, Essex

Danger from above

SIR – The crash of a helicopter in central London yesterday during rush-hour bears out the worry that I expressed in April last year on this page.

London is directly under the flight path to Heathrow. On being woken by these aircraft, I often hope that one of them won’t crash, killing many people and destroying historic buildings.

Hugh SalmonLondon SW11

Spoilt streets

SIR – Cobbles in Beverley are to be removed (Letters, January 14). Last month, Fareham council removed ours, which were nearly 200 years old, on the grounds of health and safety.

One fears for our ancient stone church, where the village has worshipped for 1,500 years.

Christopher WalkerTitchfield, Hampshire

Horseburgers

SIR – It wouldn’t surprise me if horse meat is one of the healthier ingredients to be found in a Tesco burger (report, January 16).

Martyn PittGloucester

SIR – Tesco has stated that there is no threat to human health from its burgers. If it doesn’t know what sort of animal is going into its products, how can it make such a statement on their quality?

John NewburyWarminster, Wiltshire

SIR – Many people will happily consume salami, several brands of which contain donkey meat. What’s the difference?

Ruby Gordon-WilsonNewick, East Sussex

SIR – I am delighted that Tesco is doing all it can for the entente cordiale in bringing our food choices closer together.

Ali WilkersonAlness, Ross-Shire

A long war in Mali

SIR – When our troops were initially sent to Afghanistan, Parliament assured us that it was to help in reconstruction. Years later and after some 400 of our forces have been killed, we are planning a withdrawal.

Now Britain is helping the French by putting transport aircraft at their disposal (“Can Mali be saved from the Islamists?”, Comment, January 16). What would happen if one were shot down?

The war in Mali is likely to be long and hard. Let us hope that Britain is not drawn into another costly conflict, both in terms of money and lives.

Duncan RaynerSunningdale, Berkshire

SIR – It is to be hoped that, in return for meeting the rather strange request by France for military transport aircraft, the Prime Minister obtained a suitable quid pro quo, such as the assurance of the loan of an aircraft carrier, should the need arise to defend or retake the Falklands.

Isn’t that what allies are for?

Brian PorterUckfield, East Sussex

Dazzling discourtesy

SIR – Many cinemagoers constantly check their smart phones, thereby distracting the rest of us from the film (“Teach pupils manners, tidiness and being on time, says headmaster”, report, January 16).

I have resigned myself to increasingly fidgety audiences engaged in feeding-frenzies, and constant chatting, but I’ll be damned if my cinema experience makes me feel like a First World War soldier suddenly imperilled and distracted by a flare-like burst of light. What can be done?

Nick WrayWinchester, Hampshire

SIR – Surely the response to the suspicions aroused by chivalry (report, January 15), and its connection with gender inequality, is to make your chivalry apply to all.

I don’t hold a door open for women because they are female, but because it is polite to hold the door for other people, be they male or female.

Benjamin Wood Leyland, Lancashire

SIR – Yesterday, I was walking my dogs, when I approached a retired gentleman. As we passed, I greeted him with a “Good morning”. He touched his cap, in response.

Far from leaving me feeling suspicious, this charming gesture made me smile, and left me feeling lighter in spirits.

Judith SullivanOswestry, Shropshire

The inner trouser pocket: all is revealed

SIR – The little pocket inside the right hand pocket of a pair of men’s trousers or jeans is nothing to do with condoms (Letters, January 15) and everything to do with being the perfect size to hold a Zippo cigarette lighter.